Congratulations on securing your trial day! A trial day is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the school’s culture and students while demonstrating to them that you are the perfect candidate for the role! Here’s how you can prepare to make the most of your day and leave a positive impression:
Before the Day
- Understand the School’s Needs
- Research the school and understand its ethos and values.
- If possible, ask your recruiter or the school for details about the class you’ll be working in.
- Prepare for the Role
- Read the school’s behaviour and safeguarding policies in advance so you can ensure you’re aligned with their expectations and are aware of procedure.
- Review basic behaviour management strategies and ice breaker games you can use to build rapport with the class.
- Wear professional clothing (i.e. no jeans or trainers) suitable for going from the classroom into an interview setting.
- Plan Logistics
- Arrive 15–20 minutes early to show punctuality.
- Bring any requested documents, such as ID or DBS confirmation.
During the Trial Day
- First Impressions Count
- Greet staff and students warmly, maintaining a positive and approachable attitude.
- Introduce yourself to the current classroom teacher and other staff members, asking about the day’s plans and routines.
- Read the given lesson plans and familiarise yourself with the needed resources.
- Engage with Students
- Observe and Adapt: Spend time understanding each student’s needs, strengths, and behaviours.
- Build Rapport: Use positive reinforcement and show genuine interest in the students’ activities.
- Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt your approach based on the guidance of staff or the individual needs of the students.
- Deliver Learning
- Deliver the given lesson plans confidently, demonstrating your strong subject knowledge.
- Help with transitions between tasks, particularly for students who may find these challenging.
- Offer guidance, encouragement, and feedback to help students stay engaged and progress in their work.
- If unsure about something, politely ask another member of staff for clarification or advice.
- Ask Questions and Show Initiative
- You will be invited to a brief interview during the day, so use this opportunity to demonstrate your top qualities and subject knowledge.
- Discuss the school’s ethos and values and how it aligns with your own.
- Ask questions to show your interest in the role.
After the Day
- Reflect and Learn
- Take a few minutes to think about what went well and any challenges you encountered.
- Follow Up
- If appropriate, thank the staff for their guidance and support during the day.
- Share feedback with your recruiter about your experience and whether the role feels like a good fit.
Top Tips for Success
- Stay Positive: A calm and positive demeanour will help you navigate the day successfully.
- Be Proactive: Find out about the school in advance and take initiative in the day where you can.
- Enjoy the Experience: Remember, this is as much about seeing if the school is right for you as it is about them assessing your fit.
By being professional, proactive, and compassionate, you’ll not only make a great impression but also gain valuable insight into your potential workplace. Best of luck!
